Come prepared!

Oct. 10, 2021 10:00 a.m.
​A little pre-planning will make your community centre check-in even easier

As the City of Vaughan follows the Province of Ontario’s regulation and guidance on proof of vaccination and Dr. Karim Kurji’s Letter of Instruction for visitors to community centres, patrons are reminded that a little pre-planning can make their check-in even easier.

Come prepared! Be ready to show proof of vaccination and proof of identification at the designated entrance. Please be patient and arrive early – at least 15 minutes in advance – to avoid being late for a workout or program. City staff are doing their best to make this check-in as seamless as possible.

The following proof of vaccination is acceptable –

  • The paper receipt given on site at the time of vaccination. The receipt includes key information about the vaccination event including the individual’s name, date of vaccination and product name of the vaccine received (i.e., Pfizer, Moderna, etc.).
  • The email version of the paper receipt sent to the address provided by the vaccine recipient for the person’s records. This would be a PDF.
  • A downloaded or printed copy of a COVID-19 vaccination receipt obtained through the COVID-19 vaccination provincial portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line at 1-833-943-3900.
All versions of the receipt that show the individual to be fully vaccinated (which means they have received the final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, as required, plus 14 days) are acceptable as proof of vaccination.

The following proof of identification is acceptable for those aged 18 and older (note, photo ID is not required) –
  • Birth certificate
  • Citizenship card
  • Driver’s licence
  • Government (Ontario or other) issued identification card, including health card
  • Indian Status Card/Indigenous Membership Card
  • Passport
  • Permanent Resident card
The following proof of identification is acceptable for those aged 12-17:
  • Documentation issued by an institution or public body provided it includes their name and date of birth
  • Examples include:
    • Health card
    • Library card
    • Student ID
The following exemptions are in effect –

Proof of vaccination is not required for the following:
  • Children under the age of 12
  • Individuals with a medical exemption

Individuals with a medical exemption are required to present identification and appropriate written documentation from a medical doctor or registered nurse stating the individual is exempt for a medical reason and the time period for the medical reason.

The City is following the Provincial regulation and Regional instruction regarding exemptions to proof of vaccination requirements. If you have a concern about the regulation, please contact vaccination@vaughan.ca.

Here are answers to some of the mostly commonly asked questions on this topic –

Whom should I contact to voice my concerns about the proof of vaccination requirements?
Should you any questions or comments about the regulation set by the Ontario government, please speak with your Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP). If you do not know who your MPP is, please contact Elections Ontario to confirm your representative. Should you have any questions about York Region’s instructions, please contact York Region Public Health at yr.corporate.communications@york.ca.

What will happen if an unvaccinated youth (aged 12-17) arrives for an organized sport in October?
The City will spend this month focused on communication and education related to York Region’s Letter of Instruction, with escalated measures, including enforcement, to follow. The youth participating in organized sport will not be denied entry at this time.

Why are vaccines required for indoor activities?
The proof of vaccination regulation for indoor activities is required by the Province of Ontario and York Region. In a news release, the Province explains the reason for the vaccination requirement as follows: “Requiring proof of vaccination will help increase vaccination rates, protect individuals in higher-risk indoor settings, and keep businesses open.” For more: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1000807/ontario-releasing-guidance-to-support-proof-of-vaccination-policy

How will parents who are not vaccinated attend to their children coming for City-run programs?
Parents or guardians who do not meet the vaccination requirements for entering a community centre – as set out by the Province of Ontario and York Region – will not be able to enter. If you are unable to enter the facility due to vaccination status, City staff will meet your child at the entrance and walk them to their City-run program room. Please be prepared to provide identification when picking up your child at the same location as drop-off.

Do I have to wear a mask if I’m fully vaccinated?
Yes! Masks are mandatory when entering, exiting and travelling throughout the facility, and while watching and/or waiting for participants in programs. Masks must be worn while participating in programs, except during physical activity.

Is proof of vaccination required to visit Vaughan Public Libraries?
No. The Province’s regulation and guidance on proof of vaccination does not apply to libraries. Customers can browse Vaughan Public Libraries’ physical collection, access on-site study and reading spaces, and use public computers. Visitors are reminded to remain vigilant and follow public health guidelines, including physically distancing at least six feet (two metres) from others, wearing a mask or face covering, and thoroughly washing and sanitizing hands. Please note: Maple Library remains closed due to renovations.

What does it mean to be fully vaccinated?
An individual is considered fully vaccinated if they have received:
  • two doses using Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca (including CoviShield) in any combination (the full series of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by Health Canada).
  • one or two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada followed by one dose of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine authorized by Health Canada.
  • three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada.

Find out what vaccines are authorized by Health Canada. Individuals must receive their final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days before providing the proof of being fully vaccinated.

What is the refund policy for City-operated recreation programs and swim lessons?
If your child is unable to meet the vaccination requirement a full refund, without penalty, will be honoured. To withdraw your child from their existing program and request a refund or credit to your account, email RecCSD@vaughan.ca.

Full refunds will be processed back onto the original form of payment (i.e., credit card) within three to four business days.

We anticipate email and phone wait times may be extended; your patience is appreciated. To make the process easier, please include the following information in your email request for refund:
  • main email address on your online registration account
  • name of the program participant being withdrawn
  • name of the program

For more, visit the City’s COVID-19 webpage at vaughan.ca/COVID19.

Those who feel unwell and believe they have symptoms related to COVID-19 should contact York Region Public Health at 1-800-361-5653 or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. For additional information and resources on the virus, visit York Region's website at york.ca/COVID19.

For updates and news as they happen, subscribe to Vaughan News and follow the official corporate channels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

-30-
​
All News